Timber Incident Highlights Falling Object Workplace Risks

The serious impact that falling objects can have on workers has been highlighted by a case in which a man was seriously injured by timber, a top lawyer has suggested.

David Urpeth of Irwin Mitchell, who specialises in accident at work claims, commented after Kent Road Construction and Fortmere Construction of Brierley Hill were fined over the incident in June last year.

Self-employed plasterer Neil Anson was hit by timber roof trusses which were being unloaded by a mobile crane from a lorry trailer at a construction site. He suffered fractures to his right leg, elbow, hand and thumb.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that both of the fined firms breached regulations that may have provided a safe lifting operation.

Commenting, workplace injury expert David Urpeth said: “While a number of risks can emerge during construction work, this incident highlights the threat that falling objects can pose to staff.

“It is vital that building firms follow all of the guidelines put in place to prevent such problems occurring, as otherwise they may face prosecution and legal action from the injured victims.

“All workers deserve to be able to be safe from harm, regardless of the sector that they are employed in.”